West
Virginia University’s LaunchLab
Network has
been awarded nearly $750,000 from the United States
Economic Development Administration to provide the resources to stimulate
business ventures and help transform the state’s economy.

“We are absolutely thrilled and energized by the grant from
the EDA,” said Mindy
Walls, assistant vice president for entrepreneurship
and innovation. “Every student who walks through our doors with a vision, a
brilliant idea, or a business plan in hand is a potential business owner
bringing revenue into West Virginia. This grant will allow us to help more of
those young people bring their visions to fruition.”

The LaunchLab Network supports entrepreneurs and innovators on
every step of their journey, offering everything from one-on-one mentorship to
prototype development facilities, resources and connections to investors.

Walls noted that Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) was
instrumental in helping WVU secure the EDA grant. “She sees the value of what
we are doing in our LaunchLabs,” Walls said. “Her commitment to expanding our
capacity to help entrepreneurs in West Virginia has been invaluable.”

Affirming her support of the LaunchLab
network, Capito said, “Entrepreneurs are the future of West Virginia’s economy.
The WVU LaunchLab Network will give them the tools to be successful and help
instill an entrepreneurial spirit in our communities. I will continue to
encourage investment in West Virginia and advocate for policies that promote
growth and innovation.”

The LaunchLab Network of applied innovation centers for
students is part of the WVU Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Applied Ecosystem, a university-wide web of centers, offices and programs
that fosters and supports innovation and entrepreneurship among WVU students,
faculty and staff while engaging the statewide community.